Effective June 3rd, 2024, Dr. Luke Henry’s article, “Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression in Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia: A Case Report”, has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, a peer-reviewed scientific journal. A 48-year-old woman suffered chronic, worsening neck pain, numbness and tingling down both arms, and headaches being rear-ended in an automobile accident. These symptoms interfered with reading, driving, using a computer, exercise, and prolonged sitting at her job, and she suffered sleep disturbance. MRI revealed syringohydromyelia, a fluid-filled cyst at the cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord, disc bulging and degeneration at multiple levels and foraminal stenosis. The patient tried many treatments without relief, including medications, acupuncture, physical therapy and epidural steroid injections. Decompressive surgery was recommended but the patient desired to avoid surgery. Two months of treatment using nonsurgical spinal decompression and low-level laser therapy resulted in marked reduction in pain and disability and her condition remained improved long-term. Researching non-drug and non-surgical options for spine pain is important because there is an opioid-epidemic in the United States and many patients desire to avoid the risks associated with spine surgery or are not good surgical candidates. Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a relatively new treatment option that uses computer technology to distract the spine and reduce pressure on discs and nerves. Dr. Henry has previously written articles on decompression as a multifaceted chiropractic approach for difficult cases. He speaks nationwide Fetterman Events, a provider of chiropractic continuing education. Dr. Henry is a member of the South Carolina Chiropractic Association Palmetto Club and practices in Greenville.
The Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic is available at https://journal.parker.edu/